Hypertensive Individuals’ Use of Complementary Health Approaches and its Effect on Adherence with Antihypertensive Medication Treatment

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of determining the uses of complementary health approaches (CHA) in patients with hypertension and its effect on adherence with antihypertensive medication. Method: This descriptive study was conducted at Karaağaç Family Health Center located in the city center of Erzincan. Between June 2013 and December 2013, the individuals who consulted to the center for some reason and received antihypertensive treatment, were included. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire containing open-and closed-ended questions and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (MASES-SF). The blood pressure, height and weight measurements were performed. Results: It was determined that 42.7% of the hypertensive patients were using natural produces for nutrition as part of their CHA, the use of CHA was higher in those under the age of 65 and in women (p<0.05) and using CHA had no significant effect on blood pressure control or the mean MASES-SF score (p>0.05). Medication adherence of the patients was on a good level. The mean MASES-SF scores of the patients whose blood pressure was under control were found higher (p<0.001) than those were not under control. Conclusion: It was concluded that approximately one of the two hypertensive patients was using nutrient-based natural products as an adjunctive health care supplement for antihypertensive treatment, however this did not have any impacts on blood pressure control and changing medication adherence. Blood pressures of the patients with a high level of adherence to their antihypertensive therapies have been under control. The healthcare professionals who work at primary care institutions should be aware of that they are advised to use some complementary practices besides medical methods for the purpose of controlling the blood pressure of hypertensive patients.